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Firearms manufacturers have warned they are at a crucial economic breaking point with the New South Wales government allegedly ‘silently killing’ businesses through new firearms legislation.
Several New South Wales businesses, some with links to national security and defence manufacturing, are concerned that the new ‘Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2025’ legislation aimed at addressing the recent Bondi Beach terror attack late last year is bankrupting the industry.
Phase two of the NSW Government’s firearms reforms has already taken effect last month with a two year maximum limit issued for firearms licenses (down from five year), PTA changes and extensive 2-4 month wait times for Permit to Acquire applications. There is also public anxiety around the incoming four firearm limit and reclassification of straight pull, pump-action, button, lever-release firearms into the highly restricted C class.
NSW Police data reportedly shows firearm sales being reduced by half (5000 per month to 2000 per month) since the laws were passed in late December until May this year.
“Right now my business has currently stalled, we’re not able to sell firearms due to restriction of trade since these new rules have come into effect,” according to Bathurst firearms dealer and defence business Twin Rivers Group direct Hugh Bernie, speaking to Paul Toole MP recently.
“And talking to other dealers, roughly probably about 70 percent of the industry will look at closing by the end of the year in New South Wales because we’re not getting the assistance from the government that we need to continue trading as businesses.
“So at the end of the day, the government is silently killing an industry by not offering us assistance.”
On the community front, organisers for both the Hunter Valley Arms Fair and Bathurst Arms Fair have confirmed that the annual conferences will not go ahead in the future; leading the loss of all arms fairs in the state.
NSW firearms manufacturer Oceania Precision managing director Jeffrey Bacon, who offers both commercial and defence firearms including a 6.8x51mm NATO battle-rifle, said the recent law changes in NSW has put his operation at risk of collapse.
“We are an innovative small business that relies on commercial revenue streams to sustain our day-to-day operations,” he said.
“Our entire research and development budget is funded through our commercial sporting sales. These revenue streams have been severely impacted, significantly reducing our ability to invest in ongoing innovation and product development.
“I do not believe sufficient consideration was given to the sovereignty implications when these laws were rushed through at both the State and Commonwealth levels.
“We have invested heavily in developing capabilities for the law enforcement and defence sectors. However, the increasingly restrictive regulatory environment now places the long-term viability of our company at serious risk.”
NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said the changes are first and foremost about public safety
“The Minns Labor Government acted decisively after 15 people were killed at Bondi. We’re increasing oversight, reducing risk and will ultimately reduce the number of firearms in the community,” Catley said.
“A phased commencement of regulations means the NSW Police can implement the changes effectively while reducing the burden on responsible, law-abiding firearm owners.
“We’re ensuring police have the resources and technology to improve the system with a $42 million investment into the capability and resources of the Firearms Registry.”
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